Make a Difference
Join the Norwich Fire Department  

If you truly want to make a difference in the lives of those around you, please consider joining the Norwich Fire Department. Protecting lives and property is hard work, but you'll find few things that give you deeper personal satisfaction. We're the ones who get out of bed at three in the morning to protect you when your basement is full of smoke. We quickly and safely extricate people involved in car accidents. When brush fires get out of control and threaten homes, we're the first line of defense. And if you have a medical emergency we will be there to help.

Over the past four years, our number of calls has risen by 77% -- much faster than our number of new volunteers. Today, we have 35 active firefighters, both women and men, up from 28 a year ago. This includes 24 Firefighters and 21 Emergency Medical Technicians - some members are both. However, we need 45 members for a reliable first-alarm response.

What if I can't make it to every fire call?
You will be issued a pager, and we ask that you respond to as many calls as you can. We understand that some of our responders cannot leave their jobs during the day.

What are the qualifications?
You need to be fit, but not a bodybuilder. Running up a couple flights of stairs should not leave you winded, and you should expect strenuous activity from time to time. Our firefighters range in age up to 64.

But I don't know anything about firefighting or medical emergencies.
All our members are trained in the specialized skills required to do the job safely and efficiently, using dependable, state-of-the-art equipment. You'll be assigned a mentor to help you every step of the way, and will not be pushed beyond your capabilities. We have training for Emergency Medical Technicians the first Monday night of each month and firefighters the second and third Monday nights of each month.

How often are there fire calls?
Last year we responded to 251, including 120 medical, calls for assistance, including 40 auto accidents and 22 false calls (usually malfunctioning alarm systems), and one structure fire.

Are firefighters paid?
Yes. The pay rate is $18.40 per hour when you are on a call. You are also paid $20 for the third Monday training drill, which is necessary to keep your skills operational.

What else should I know?
Our department is recognized as among the best in the region, and we accomplish our tasks with pride, respect and confidence. You'll be joining an organization based on integrity, teamwork and respect. You'll work hard, make new friends, and provide vital help to your neighbors when they need it the most.

What training do I need?
See the job descriptions for additional details.